Hickory's Smokehouse, the Cheshire-born barbecue chain, is set to open its first Liverpool location on Friday, July 17, 2026, ending a 15-year search for a suitable site in the city. The new restaurant, located at 24 Gateacre Brow in the former Bear & Staff pub, will serve slow-smoked meats and American comfort food.
New Venue Details
The Gateacre venue is the third Hickory's in Merseyside, joining existing sites in West Kirby and Southport. The company, founded in 2010, has expanded to over 20 locations across the north west of England. The restaurant occupies multiple floors and includes a cinema room, a unique feature for the chain.
General manager Adam Finlay said: "What can I say guys, 15 years we've been around and 15 years we've been wanting to find a special place here in Liverpool. I think we finally found it in Gateacre. We can't wait to welcome everyone here from 4pm on Friday when we officially swing our doors open."
Menu and Atmosphere
The menu draws inspiration from southern United States barbecue traditions, featuring 16-hour Texas-style smoked brisket, Memphis-style baby back ribs, hand-pulled BBQ pork, smoked chicken, and jalapeño and cheese sausages. Smokehouse platters combine multiple meats with fries, cornbread, coleslaw, and house pickles.
The bar area has been designed as a welcoming space for locals to socialise and drink, maintaining the pub's original community role. Finlay emphasised the importance of local engagement: "In Southport, we really made it have a local community mark. We had so many regulars come in, be it just be for a pint at the end of the day or while they are walking their dog. We really want to do that here in Gateacre village."
Opening and Bookings
The restaurant officially opens at 4pm on Friday, July 17, 2026. Bookings are available via the Hickory's Smokehouse website. The venue features original elements from the Bear & Staff pub, including a preserved sign on the floor at the entrance, and Texas-themed decor throughout.
